After Shani Temple, Women Now Demand Entry Into Haji Ali Dargah

Mumbai Women are on the cusp of a beautiful revolution. A revolution which has women from across communities demanding equality and the right to enter their respective religious places. Women of Mumbai perhaps have set a good example on how to mobilize themselves for a cause, an example if replicated could accelerate in women attaining equality which has evaded them till day.

1.) Shani Shingnapur Temple – Group of women belonging to Bhumata Ranrahini Brigade had announced to worship Lord Shani at the sacred platform as a symbolic gesture, to break the gender barrier at the shrine. The protesters were eventually stopped by security forces however their voice could not be quelled, the voice they raised resonated across India.

“We will not move away from here till we are allowed to enter the temple,” said the protesters.

2.) Haji Ali Dargah – Muslim women seem to have taken inspiration from their Hindu counterparts and led a protest to demand entry for women into famous Haji Ali Dargah. Hundreds of women gathered for the protest to enter Haji Ali Dargah which is just 250 KM away from the Shani temple.

“Women are allowed to enter dargahs and mosques. Prophet Mohammad had also recommended that people should go to graveyards so as to understand that one day they will also die and this is where they will lie.” Said the protestors.

The Logical Indian applauds the women of Mumbai for having taken matters into their own hands. It is indeed a pleasant sight to watch women of both Hindu and Muslim community have taken this up almost at the same time. What is evident is irrespective of what religion you belong, the issues faced are common. We commend Mumbai women and hope they would inspire women from other cities and villages to gather the courage and will to fight for their rights.

Partner Story

An Army Colonel Is Changing Lives Of Thousand Of People From North-East Using White Bullets

Retiring after spending 32 years in the Indian Army, Col Chris Rego is helping change the destinies of hundreds of children in conflict-affected North East India through his “White Bullets” initiative. With this initiative, he hopes to bring peace and progress to communities across North East India.

Luminouswanted to bring out the Colonel’s story to the world to inspire and motivate others as it believes that education is a strong tool to empower women. It is supporting Col Rego’s cause through an initiative called #Luminaries – the brave people who stand up for causes like girl child education and make a difference in the society.

Col Rego’s journey started over a decade ago in Manipur when a tribal woman knocked on his door pleading for support for her daughter’s education. Touched by the woman’s story, Col Rego and his wife delved into their savings and arranged for the money for the girl’s education. Two years down the line, the woman returned, this time with a small pumpkin and a shawl that she had knitted, and all the money she had borrowed. Moved and realizing that their money could make lives rather than earn paltry interest, Col and Mrs. Rego embarked on a journey to arrange for sponsorship of many more underprivileged children.

Retiring from the Army, Col Rego took over as CEO of Sunbird Trust, a not-for-profit organization which he founded in 2014. The Trust now sponsor over 1,000 children in 21 locations acrossNorth East India. The centre of Sunbird Trust’s activities is at beautiful Ijeirong, Manipur.

Recognizing Col Chris’s immense work, Luminousacknowledged him as their first Luminary. Through this, they hope to bring more power to his elbow in the notable work he is doing. The Luminousteam travelled to remote Ijeirong village and installed solar products. These solar products will help in providing power to the entire campus 24/7 for the very first time.

The Logical Indian salutes Col Christopher Rego for his untiring efforts and leadership. His efforts are already having a cascading effect on people from across India joining the “White Bullets” endeavour. Quite amazingly, education, in itself so empowering, is merely a means to PEACE. We hope the path illuminated by #Luminary Col Rego and his Sunbird Trust team acts as a beacon for others to follow.

If you too have stories of change, share them with us. And if you want to connect with Colonel Rego, click here.